Chicago Bulls vs Miami Heat LIVE 15 may 2013 nba basketball

Chicago Bulls vs Miami Heat
United States: NBA Basketball Play Offs
Wednesday 15 May 2013 - Tip Off 7pm
Midnight (British Time)

 

After all the exertions put in by the Chicago Bulls in Game 3, it wasn't a massive surprise to see them fail to reach the same intensity in Game 4 as they were comfortably blown out by the Miami Heat. When you rely on so many players that are usually the back ups, it wasn't that surprising that those role players failed to get anything going as the Bulls had their worst shooting percentage and lowest Play Off totals in their storied franchise history.

Nate Robinson has been brilliant in the Play Offs for the Bulls, but it was his struggles that highlighted Chicago's struggles as he went 0/12 from the field. Relying on a short rotation has hurt the Bulls and they looked tired at times as Miami stepped up their defense in Game 4.

One thing you have to say about this Chicago team is that they have taken their fair share of blow out losses throughout the season, but shown the character to bounce back. Even at the end of Game 4, there weren't too many downhearted players in their locker room and they remain confident in themselves and one another.

However, turning around this series would probably be one of the biggest upsets in the Play Offs in NBA history, especially from a 1-3 deficit. To win three times in Miami, which Chicago would have to do to win this series now, is a big ask without the likes of Derrick Rose, Luol Deng and Kirk Hinrich.

Chicago also know that Miami are not exactly firing on all cylinders themselves so the Bulls do believe in themselves. Dwyane Wade is struggling with a knee injury that has limited his effectiveness, while LeBron James is shooting far poorer than he did in the regular season.

The Heat are also trying to get their three point shooters going in this series, as that is going to be important to them as they try and defend their NBA title.

Miami are also aware of the fight that Chicago have shown throughout the season so they are looking to close the show on Wednesday night. The team are still very focused on the task at hand and I think it would be a big surprise if the series heads back to Chicago later this week.

                                      Head to Head

Miami have improved to 5-3 against the Chicago Bulls this season.

However, the Heat are only 2-2 in their 4 home games against them.

                                         Prediction

Chicago looked incredibly tired in Game 4 as the Miami Heat defense caused some issues, but the open shots being missed says it was more to with fatigue than anything else that the Bulls had a hard time.

While the last game was incredibly low-scoring, I think the layers have made the 181 total points a little too low in this one, especially if the open shots are made.

 

 

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Memphis Grizzlies vs Oklahoma City Thunder live 15 may 2013 nba basketball

                Memphis Grizzlies vsOklahoma City Thunder                                
                     United States:    NBA Basketball Play Offs
                        Wednesday 15 May 2013 - Tip Off 9:30pm
                                       2:30am (British Time)                                

The FedExForum must have had a sense of deja vu as Game 4 of their Western Conference Semi Final against the Oklahoma City Thunder went into overtime. Two years ago, at the exact same stage of the Play Offs, the Thunder beat the Grizzlies in triple overtime to level the series at 2-2, a series  they went on to win 4-3.

Russell Westbrook was the star of the show two years ago, but his absence continues to cast a shadow over this series. Without him, the Thunder couldn't hold off Memphis this time and they are now in a tough spot as they trail 3-1 in the series after their third consecutive loss.

Kevin Durant has been taking over the scoring, but he has struggled in the fourth quarter and overtime in the last two games, going just 3/17 from the field. He even missed three free throws at crucial times in those games and now has to improve his 1-3 record in elimination games, while the critics formerly on LeBron James' case have moved to him.

Unfortunately for Oklahoma City, they have struggled for someone else to take over the scoring down the stretch, an area where Westbrook really paid off in the past. Serge Ibaka found his shot in Game 4, but the likes of Derek Fisher and Kevin Martin struggled and the Thunder were shut down.

Oklahoma City had a 17 point lead in Game 4, but Memphis kept up the pressure and now are in a commanding position. However, the franchise is in uncharted territory as they have never played in the Western Conference Finals so there is no doubt they will have some pressure on their shoulders.

Lionel Hollins has also made his team aware that Oklahoma City are not to be under-estimated as they will be desperate in front of their own fans. The fact that all four games have been decided in the final two minutes suggests there is every chance the Thunder can find themselves back in this series and definitely force the issue to take the series back to Memphis.

Both teams are comfortable with the way the games have gone so far, so little adjustments are expected in Game 5 as both know what the other is capable of doing now.

                                        Head to Head

Memphis lead the season series 5-2 thanks to their win in Game 4.

The four games at the Chesapeake Arena have been split 2-2.

                                        Prediction

I am expecting another close game in the series and I think both teams are capable of making this a high-scoring encounter.

With Serge Ibaka finding his shot and both getting inside the paint to the foul line, the game could be extended, while they have been so closely matched that another overtime game isn't out of the question.

 

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